Designoscope



March 28, 1939.

w. o. WETMORE 2,152,424

DESIGNOSCOPE Fi led March 15, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 WILL/AN 0- WET/109E March 28, 1939;

w. o. WETMORE 2,152,424

DESIGNOSCOPE Filed March 15, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 W/L L/A/VO. WE 7 MORE March 28, 1939. w, E M RE 2,152,424

DESIGNOSCOPE Filed March 15, 1937' 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 March 28, 193 w. o. WETMORE DESIGNOSCOIIEE Filed March 15, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 v ,mllyggl .1

WIN/Al) a war/vows fwmmn Patented Mar. 28, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 4 Claims.

- This invention relates to a design projecting device, the images projected thereby resembling those projected by a kaleidoscope; and it has for one of its objects the production of a means for projecting a colorful design or display upon a screen, background, sign-board, and the like, wherein a number of colorful, changing symmetrical designs may be displayed and produce a changing illuminated pattern for use in connection with illuminated signs.

Another object of this invention is the production of a simple and eflicient projecting device for projecting a colorful design upon a screen or background, wherein a number of colorful changing symmetrical designs may be displayed for producing a colorful pattern in the nature of a background for extravaganza productions, borders for moving pictures, and the like.

A further object of this invention is the production of a simple and efilcient colorful design projecting device wherein a number of design formationsmay be displayed for selection in producing rugs, linoleum, fabrics, and other patterns.

A still further object of this invention is the production of a simple and eflicient design projecting device wherein movable colored transparent capsules, objects, or symmetrical bodies of regular shape are carried adjacent a fixed design so that the colored capsules, objects, or similar elements, may fall into many different positions, each position producing a different selective design of oval form.

Still another object of this invention is the pro duction of a simple and eificient design projecting device wherein movable colored transparent capsules of reguiar'shape and oval or rectangular in form are carried adjacent a fixed design so that the colored capsules or similar elements may fall into many different positions, each position producing a difierent selective design, and each of certain capsules containing a colored liquid in order to give a shaded effect when light is projected therethrough.

Another object of the invention is the production of a simple and eilicient design projecting device where colorful objects including figures of flowers, men, women, animals and the like" are carried on a design plate interposed between a light and fixed mirrors, the design plate being mounted in a rotatable housing which, when turned, produces a multiplicity of colorful designs.

Other objects and advantages of the present tive view showing a still further invention will appear throughout the following specification and claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is aside elevation of one form of the projecting device, certain'parts being shown in section;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1;' V

Figure 3 is an elevation looking at the front end of the device;

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Figurel;

Figure 6 is a perspective'view of, the mirror elel5 ment;

Figure '7 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 'l'! of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 8-8 of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken through the device showing the design forming means in vertical section;

Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating the device and manner of projecting a design upon a 25 background, screen, or the like;

Figure 11 is a plan view illustrating one design formed and projected from the device;

Figure 12 is a plan view illustrating a further design formed and projected from the device;

Figure 13 is a side elevation of one 01' the capsules showing the sections in diiferent colors;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary side elevation of a med form of the invention illustrating a projection screen carried thereby, the screen and screen holder being shown in longitudinal section;

Figure 15 is a front elevation of type of tumbler segment, certain shown in section, wherein a heavy like;

Figure 16 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a modified type 01' mirror an'angement; 45

Figure 17 is a fragmentary sectional perspec-v modified ar a modified parts being 4:0 the capsules contain colored liquid such as glycerin or the rangement of mirrors; I I Figure 18 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a still further type of mirror arrangement;

Figure 19 is a front elevation, certain parts be ing shown in section, illustrating one type of the display devicewherein a battery of projecting elements are driven by a continuous driving belt:

mm is a horizontal section taken on line 20-20 of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is a vertical sectional view taken on line Ii-il of Figu 19;

Figure 22 is a horizontal section showing a modified form of the invention and illustrating a gear drive;

Figure 23 Figure 22;

Figure 24 isa top plan view of a further modified form of the device employing a battery of projecting devices;

Figure 25 is a front elevation of the structure shown in Figure 24;

Figure 28 is a side elevation of a modified type of projecting device wherein each individual projecting element is individually driven;

Figure 2'1 is a longitudinal sectional view illus trating my device as applied to a kaleidoscope projector, this form illustrating also a tapering set of reflecting mirrors;

Figure 28 is a sectional perspective view of -a metal mirror section which may be used in connection with the present invention;

Figure 29 is a side elevation partly in section of one of the symmetrical tumbler, elements which is provided with a lining of colored cellophane or similar material;

Figure 30 is a perspective view of a modified form of tumbler element which may be used in connection with the present invention;

Figure 31 is a vertical sectional view of the tumbler element shown in Figure 30;

Figure 32 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a further modified form of my invention;

Figure 33 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 33-31 of Figure 32;

is a section taken on line 2L-2l of Figure 34 is a longitudinal sectionalrview iliustrating a still further modified form of my invention, wherein the designoscope is mounted within a housing, carrying a display panel at its outer end;

Figure 35 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 36-" of Figure 34;

Figure 36 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the designoscope mounted within a further modified type of cabinet or housing;

Figure 37 is a front elevation of the cabinet shown in Figure 36, a certain portion being shown in section.

By referring to the drawings, it will be noted that the present inven ion preferably comprises in one form as shownin Figures 1 to 10, inclusive, an elongated tubular casing II carrying alight bulb of a conventional type II, at its rear end,

which bulb is electrically connected to a suitable connection through the medium of a conventionQ plug l2. The tubular casing II carries at its outer end a double convex lens I! and suitable other lenses may be employed, such for instance, as the lights and lenses used 'in the projecting medium of moving pictureswhen proper insulation will be installed, as occasion may require.

longitudinally of the casing II is mounted a mirror structure ll which in the form shown, in Figures 1, 2 and 6, particularly comprises a pair of mirror plates II which are inclined toward each other along their top edges and spaced from each other at their bottom edges, their upper edges being secured by means of suitable binding element I. The lower edges of the m rror plates II are supported upon a base II which is preferably provided with a non-reflecting and light absorbing face ii. The mirror plates I! have mirror faces upon their inner faces which are in Figure 2 may lowing the casing in to be suitable motor may be .ing, such for instance as shown in Figures 19 to inclined in Ashaped formation. The mirror element it extends longitudinally of the casing it between the outer lens I! and the tumbler sup porting segment I9, which tumbler supporting segment II is preferably located near the rear end of the casing i0 and adjacent the illuminating bulb or lighting device ii. The bulb 20 shown be either of ground glass or, if desired, clear glass, and a ground glass plate 2| maybe located in front of the bulb 20, as shown in Figure 2. The mirror element i4 is held in place by means of the anchoring fillers 22 which may be of any suitable or desired type to hold the mirror element i l against shifting and in anchoring the mirror rays of light.

The casing ll is preferably-rotatably mounted within the supporting standards 21 so that the device may be easily supported upon a desk, table, or other support. These supports 2! preferably encircle the casing l0 and beads or retaining rings 24 are carriedby the casing between which the supporting standards 23 are mounted, thereby aleasily rotated by the The casing I! may, if a suitable stand and a used for rotating the cashand of the operator. desired, be fastened to 2 6; The lower ends of the standards 23 are preferably diverged to provide supporting legs N. In this form, shown particularly in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, the device maybe utilized as a toy for projecting fanciful designs for thepurpose of teaching children colors through the medium of projecting colorful and symmetrical designs upon a screen or other background.

In connection with this invention, I preferably employ a particular type of tumbler segment which consists of a circular box-like member which fits snugly within the casing i0 and is suitably anchored therein. This tumbler segment comprises a front plate ii, and a rear plate 21 arranged in spaced relation to provide a tumbler compartment 28' therebetween, and to permit a free tumbling movement of the tumblers within. These plates 26 and 21 are of transparent material such as glass, Celluloid. or the like, and when used in conjunction with moving picture machines, heat resistant glass is required.

It should be understood a desired effect, the well-known type of moving picture lens being adaptable for this purpose if desired. Here is required a great amount of light, thereby producing heat, and metal mirrors are preferably utilized since the mercury of ordinary mirrors evaporates.

A plurality of tumbler elements I! in the nature of symmetricalbodies are located within the compartment 28 and each element 2| is selectively colored whereby a suitable design formation may 'be displayed in conjunction with a desiz Plate or sheet ill which is etched upon, secured to, or displayed upon the rear plate 21 in any suitable or desired manner. It should be borne in mind that.the elements I! are selectively colored and are transparent or suflicientiy translucent to permit light cast from the bulb ii to penetrate therethrough and to display the selected colors both of the elements 22 and the design sheet or plate 30 as light is projected therethrough. If desired, capsules or ampules may be used for the tumbler elements without departing from the spirit of the invention. I

In conjunction with these elements 20, I ma; also employ a-colored liquid, such as glycerim in place and shutting out that any suitable lens might be'used for projecting and the like, indicated by the numeral 3! in the casing 10 as will be obvious. It should be borne in form shown in Figure 5. The elements 29 emmind, of course, that the casing I is mounted ployed may be insoluble where liquid is used, to to rotate freely around the bulb and supporting prevent the deterioration of the casing of the elesocket therefor in the manner as indicated by the ments 29. The liquid may be of the same color arrow in Figure 10, and the supports 23 may be 5 as the element whereby different and varied easily snapped from or removed from the casing shades of the same color may be projected, or it In when it is desired to support the device in the may be of a different color than the element to hand of the operator. produce an entirely different color by the combi- While the form described above is particularly nation of the different colors of the element and adapted for a toy display device, although it may the liquid. The elements are of conventional be used for other purposes, the device or form construction and if desired, the separable sections described in the following is particularly adapted of the elements may be of different or of contrastfor display for commercial purposes and for dising colors. A heavy liquid is preferably used in playing a mult plicity of d si ns pr du n p the elements. torial colorful patterns to attract the vision of Through the medium of the structure dethe observer. In the form shown in Figures 19 scribed, it should be understood that a very pleasand 20, a suitable suppor ng ousing 40 is 18- ing colorful and artistic design display may be ated carry n a suitab si n andbo d r and produced of varying nature whereby the various the d p y d c is Preferably u e Within design may be displayed, and if desired may be the housing 40 and comprises a light ox 42 assembled to roduce an attractive pattern as pr er ly ci u ar in orma on. c rry n li hts will be hereinafter described. 4:. A plurality of proje n tu e 44 are n- The design may be supported upon the design ported upon a u ar supp t 5 in ula plate or may be directly carried thereby or Spaced relation fld the Pe p y thereof. applied thereto in any well-known manner. It and are carried by supporting cradle elements 46 25 may be appliqud on, or may be incorporated in forming be in s or supports for the projection any way in the segment or on the plate, and may tubes 44. A friction driving belt 41 extends be blown into the glass, if desired. around and contacts with all of the projection In Figures 11 and 12 there are shown two disu es a g t e Oute faces, as Shown in tinct patterns which may be formed through the i ur 19 nd and th belt ay be ou h- 80 medium of the present device, but it should b ened if desired, to provide a more efllcient fricunderstood that the type of design'which may be tion contact. Friction driving rollers 8 are of mirrors may be employed to multi l the deprojection devices 44 ar a h p ovid d with a signs in a manner such as illustartedv in Figures Suitable design sp ay mechanism, such as is de- 16, 17 and 18, scribed in connection with Figures 1' and 2, and

In Figure 13, a capsule is ill t t d one half such as is illustrated in detail in Figures 7 and 8 or whic is shown shaded for red, and the other to provide a series of changeable ul d si ns half shown shaded for blue, wherein the sections to Produce bol'der pattern u d a S gn d sof the capsule may be of diflerent colors. P W n e pat ern 0 fo med.

In Figure 16 there is shown a hexagonal arhe n ua cti n device a may b rangement of mirrors wherein the elements will individually driven if desired, through separate a be greatly multiplied. In Figure 17, three mirrors motors Without departing m e it Of are illustrated producing five patterns, and in the invention- Figure 18, a mirror having five angular surfaces In Figure 22 there is shown a further modified is illustrated, varying the design further. form of the invention to that as shown in Figures I d ired, as shown in Figure 14, the display 19 and 20, wherein a display sign 50 is mounted lo device may be provided with a funnel-shaped upon a us n a plurality of P j n screen support 32 h h fit over t outer end devices a are mounted in the form of a circle which will permit the image projected from the are reist'ably mounted in the e i s 2. 86

without the necessity of subduing the daylight. Mug gear 53 which meshes with the gears This is largely useful for the purpose of demoncarried by the Projection devices strating the function of the device in the day In Figures 24 and 25 there is shown it further time, particularly when making a, sale, T modified form of the invention wherein a battery opaque screen 33 may be of such translucent n of projection devices 55 are arranged in horizonterial as ground glass, Celoglass, or tracing paper, ta] alignment and r driven by an end-less belt and if desired an extending collar or shield 33a 56 passing thereever m a d ive pulley 5 may be added to the outer" end of the'funnel actuated by a motor 58. The device m y e u support 32 or any suitable extension provided ably mounted upon a Support 111 this formto render the image on the screen 33 clearer in the device may be adapted for p y g a anc daylight. ful series of designs to produce a pictorial and Particular attention is invited to Figure 10 attractive background f a highly rful nd which illustrates the manner in which the device changing nature particularly adapted for use in may be used as a toy for projecting a design upon extravaganza productions wherein a very attraca screen or background 34, the device being tlve background may be thrown upon a stage or mounted upon a suitable table or other support back-drop thereof. 35. When the image is to be projected on the In the structure shown in Figures 19, 20, 22, screen 34, the screen-supporting element or funand 24, a suitable boxed-in housing may be pronel 32 is removed from the outer end of the vided to shield the apparatus from external light and cause the projection devices to project the lighted image upon the sign and border I which may be formed of pore t, or other translucent material. In the form shown in Figures 24 and 25 where the device is used for projecting designs upon a background such as a curtain drop, the device may be used without the front panel, such as is indicated by the numeral Ila in Figure 4.

In Figure 2'1, there is shown a modified form of the invention wherein the numeral 5 indicates a kaleidoscope casing within one end of which is placed an electric light and a reflector The casing 35 is preferably of an elongated tubular character within which is supported and anchored an elongated reflecting mirror 68 of the general type illustrated in Figure 6 but tapering toward its outer end. An adjustable lenscarrying cap 89 is slidably mounted upon the outer end of the casing to facilitate focusing. A suitable kaleidoscope tumbler element 10 is supported between the mirror 88 and the light 66. By utilizing the tapering mirrors, the size of the image is increased.

It should be understood that if desired, a suitable packing or filler II may be mounted within the casing III between the wall of the casing and the mirror element II, as shown in Figure 4.

As shown in Figure 28, the numeral indicatesv a metallic mirror element which may be substituted for the glass mirror element such as is shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 29, the tumbler element may consist of a capsule-like or symmetrical body 18 which may be formed of glass or other transparent or translucent material having a Cellophane or other colored lining, 11. This tumbler element may constitute an open-ended glass tube upon the inner face of which may be securely fastened a piece of colored Cellophane secured by means of Duco glue.

In Figures and 31 a further modified form is shown of a tumbler element which consists of a body of heat resisting glass such as Pyrex glass comprising a body 12 having a cavity 19 terminating around its edge in a bevelled face upon which fits a bevelled closure segment ll which may be cemented or suitably fastened.

In applying the invention as defined particularly in Figures 19 to 26, inclusive, it will be obvious that the design of the display may be easily changed without the necessity of entirely reconstructing the display sign as is now necessary in connection with certain electrical signs. A mere turn of the cylinders displaying the pictorial display will change the display eiiect and design projected upon the screen or display surface. The device such as illustrated in Figures 19 to 26 may be timed so that at certain intervals the projected design may be changed merely by momentarily halting the movement of the driving means, such for instance, as the motor for rotating the various projection devices.

In the form shown in Figure 32 an elongated conical tube 82 is provided, which tapers toward its outer end, and longitudinally extending triangularly arranged mirrors 8! are mounted within the tube 82 in the manner shown in Figure 33. These mirrors '3 have their mirrored faces facing each other in the same manner as-described with structure illustrated respect to the other types of in the foregoing figures. A suitable filler 84 is interposed between the mirrors 23, and the tube 82. A lens I! is carried in the outer end of the tube 82 at the outer end of the mirrors 83 and a tumbler housing I. abuts against the inner edges of the mirrors II. A disc 21 of ground glass, and the like, rests against the outer lace of the tumbler housing or tumbler-supporting segment. A transparent disc ll of glass carrying a permanent design fits against the disc l1, and a spring-retaining ring I! i'rictionally engages the inner face of the tube 22, and the outer face of the disc ll, thereby holding the parts in place. A light bulb 22 is carried by a cap SI and tits into the innerend of the tube 22, the cap fitting over the inner end of the tube 82 as shown in Figure 32.

The tube 82 is rotatably mounted within the supports 92, as shown in Figure 32, and an outwardly flared light-shielding funnel 92 projects outwardly beyond the outer end of the tube 32. A translucent sheet or plate II is carried by the outer end of the funnel, upon which the changeable design may be cast when projected through the mirrors 83 and lens 25. This form shown in Figures 32 and 33 will provide a very entertaining, and amusing toy which may be produced at a minimum expense.

In Figure 34 there is shown a structure wherein a housing 35 is illustrated carrying a translucent display screen sheet or plate 96 at its outer end. A projection device 91 is mounted within the housing 95 upon a base 98. The projection device 91 comprises a rotatable tube 99 rotatably mounted within the support Ill carried by the base 98. A driving belt Ill passes around the tube 99 and is driven by a motor I02 mounted upon the base 98. A collar I02 is fitted in the inner end' of the tube 99 and rotates therewith. the collar I03 being enlarged at its rear end, as at IM, to loosely fit over the projecting neck IIS of the lamp housing I". A suitable lamp IIII is carried within the housing I" and a reflector I0! is located behind the lamp II". The tube 29 carries triangularly arranged mirrors I08 similar to the mirrors previously described.

A tumbler housing IIU of the type previously illustarted and described timether with the permanent design plate III and the retaining ring H2 are mounted in the collar I" so as to rotate with the collar I04 and tube 9!. In the form shown in Figures 34 and 35, the tube 99 is journaled upon the support I00 and neck Hi5 and the image is projected upon the display screen 96 to be viewed from-the outside.

In the form shown in Figures 36 and 37, a cabinet H5 is provided which supports a screen I It at its outer end having an advertising border III formed around the edge thereof. A shield housing H8 is located within the cabinet H5 in line with the inner edge of the border and a projection device I I9 of the type illustrated and described with respect to Figures 34 and 35 is mounted within the housing I ii. The projection device H9 is driven by means of a motor I20 and belt III. A translucentscreen I22 is formed within the border Ill in a position to display the image projected thereon by the projection device H9. Lights I23 are mounted at the rear end of the cabinet 5. This form of device is designed particularly for advertising display.

It should be understood that the designs are controllable by starting and stopping the rotation of the projection devices, and the present device is particularly adaptable for projecting colorful design displays upon a screen to display various design forms and when an attractive form of design is produced, the rotation of the projection device may be stopped and that particular design displayed may be photographed in order g It should be understood that certain changes in the mechanical construction, combination and arrangement of parts may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention so long as such changes iali within the scope of-' the appended claims. 7

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. As an article of manufacture, a design-forming device for use in connection with a projection machine of the character described comprising a design-forming casing mounted for rotatable movement, said casing having 8. plurality of spaced transparent plates providing a tumbler-- receiving compartment, a regularly formed definitely fixed design carried by one of the transparent plates, and a plurality of regularly formed differently colored transparent tumbler elements freely movable within the tumbler-receiving compartmerit and adapted to form well-balanced regular and varied symmetrical designs when the casing is revolved and a beam of light is projected therethrough.

2. As an article of manufacture, a designforming device for use in-connection with a projection machine of the character described com prising a design-forming casing mounted for rotatable movement, said casing having a plurality of spaced transparent plates providing a. tumblerreceiving compartment, a regularly formed definitely fixed design carried by one of the transparent plates, a plurality of regularly formed differently colored transparent tumbler elements freely movable within the tumbler-receiving compartment and adapted to form well-balanced regular and varied symmetrical designs when the casing is revolved and a beam of light is projected therethrough, each tumbler element comprising a hollow body and being partly filled with tumbler elements I partment and liquid which is adapted to fiow and spread over the inner race of the tumbler elements as the move end over end as the design-forming casing is rotated to display colors of varying and slowly moving density when a beam of light is projected therethrough.

3. As an article of manufacture, a design-forming device for use in connection with a projection machine of the character described comprising a design-forming casing mounted for rotatable movement, said casing having a. plurality of spaced transparent plates providing a tumblerreceiving compartment, a regularly formed deflnitely fixed design carried by one of the transparent plates, a plurality of regularly formed diiferently colored transparent tumbler elements freely movable within the tumbler-receiving comadapted to form well-balanced regular and varied symmetrical designs when the casing is revolved and a beam of light is projected therethrough, each tumbler element comprising a hollow body and being partly filled with liquid of heavy volume which is adapted to slowly flow and spread over the inner face of the tumbler elements as the tumbler elements 'move end over end as the design-forming casing is rotated to display colors of varying and slowly moving density when a beam of light is projected therethrough.

4. As an article of manufacture. a design-forming device for use in connection with a projection machine of the character described comprising a design-forming casing mounted for rotatable movement, said casing having a plurality of,

warm 0. wsmonn. 

